The search is on for the next generation of rural leaders and entrepreneurs in Wales with the new launch of this year's Agri Academy.
The academy, now approaching its seventh year and with 200 alumni, brings together some of the most promising people making their way in the agricultural industry in Wales today.
The initiative aims to encourage inspiration, confidence, skills and contacts they need to become future rural leaders.
Comprising three distinct elements, the Agri Academy’s Rural Leadership programme aims to develop and nurture a new generation of leaders.
The Business and Innovation programme offers personal and business development to help meet the challenges of farming in the future, while the Junior Academy is targeted at teenagers aged 16-19 who are considering a career in the food and farming industries.
Lesley Griffiths, Wales' Minister for Rural Affairs, will officially launch the programme on Tuesday, 22 January.
She said: “These individuals, who are selected because of their drive, focus and commitment to rural affairs in Wales, are certainly repaying our investment in their personal development, which can be attributed to the Agri Academy’s unique combination of mentoring, training, targeted high-level networking and study visits in both Wales and Europe.
“Many of them are now actively helping drive forward rural affairs in Wales, making sure their voices are heard and opinions known, which is helping the industry modernise and professionalise as we collectively prepare ourselves and our businesses for the challenges and opportunities of a future outside the EU.”
The Agri Academy attracts a range of agricultural sectors, graduates include farmers, foresters and horticulturalists.
The application window for Agri Academy 2019 will open on 22 January and close on 31 March.
